Asim scales new heights

CLIMB . . . Asim

A FIRST Choice Homes Oldham worker is facing the challenge of a lifetime to help alleviate suffering from the Pakistan floods.

Equality and diversity officer Asim Rahman will take on Mount Everest tomorrow to raise money for victims of Pakistan’s worst deluge for 80 years.

Around 20 million people were affected by August’s floods and suffering is continuing.

Asim is not planning to reach the 29,000ft summit of the world’s highest mountain in the Himalayas but will still climb 20,000ft — considerable higher than the 3,500ft Mount Snowden that he is used to conquering. He will be among 14 people doing 11 days of trekking during the 17-day trip. Asim and a friend have already beaten their fund-raising target of £6,000 after organising a series of events — collecting a whopping £6,800 so far — but want to raise as much as possible.

The money will go through the Disaster Emergency Committee to a charity called Islamic Relief, who have workers on the ground helping the victims. Asim is targeting his fund-raising to help pregnant women.

Asim, from Manchester, said: “It’s not in the news anymore but we are doing the climb to raise awareness that there’s still suffering going on.

“We’ve done street collections in Oldham and have had overwhelming support.

“I’m excited and nervous but it’s getting the exposure and all these people who have donated money give me motivation to do it for them.”

Asim has climbed mountains in England, Wales and Scotland — including Ben Nevis — and has been training for nine months to keep fit and active.

To sponsor Asim visit the website at www.justgiving.com/everest4theflood